File No. 763.72/7545
The Ambassador in Italy ( Page ) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 3, 9.10 a.m.]
1171. Situation unchanged, only more news coming of Second Army’s going on strike and declaring for peace with exception of certain units that fought till extirpated. All depends whether the [Page 287] insidious propaganda based on socialists’ literature and the Pope’s peace suggestions have undermined other forces, especially Third Army on which rest hopes of immediate defense and time for reorganization. If Italy can reorganize promptly Second Army, the disaster not irremediable because the Allies are rushing in troops. At present Italians reported holding part of the Tagliamento line though believe that they are falling back on Piave line. British and French will require perhaps fortnight to get in action in force. British Chief of Staff Robertson and General Foch are here to-day canvassing situation. Intention is to try for the present to hold Venice; all depends on Italy’s power to keep up fight. Little information given out but people so far calm and firm.